Hong Kong's economy is beginning to recover after being hit hard
by the global economic downturn in 2009. Visitor arrivals to New
Zealand grew strongly in February and March,...
Market Overview
New Zealand is a popular choice among Hong Kong holidaymakers
and is considered a destination particularly suitable for families.
The market is well-established, with an even split of group travel
and Free Independent Travellers (FIT).
FIT travel continues to grow in popularity, particularly among
younger travellers.
Holiday visitors from Hong Kong spend a median of nine days
travelling New Zealand, compared with travellers from mainland
China who spend only around three days.
Travellers from Hong Kong are also significantly more likely to
venture beyond the main tourism centres than mainland Chinese.
Almost three quarters make New Zealand the sole destination on
their holiday.
Limited availability of airline seats for tour groups from South
China and Hong Kong is an ongoing issue, but New Zealand can expect
growth in the (FIT) market in the medium to long term.
What We're Up To
- Tourism New Zealand hosted Hong Kong blogger Peter Kam in New
Zealand in March. A composer, arranger and producer, he blogged and
tweeted about his New Zealand experiences during his visit.
- Recent International Media Programme activity has included a
visit by Weekend Weekly to New Zealand in March and
interviews with Tourism New Zealand on leading radio stations such
as RTHK and Metro Radio.
- Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand have been running print
advertising in local travel and lifestyle magazines, newspapers and
travel-related websites, with a Māori cultural focus.
- Other market development projects underway with travel seller
partners include print advertising, advertorials, radio programmes,
New Zealand brochures and point-of-sale promotion in travel agents'
branches, as well as online promotional activity.
- An online campaign with travel trade partner Zuji launched in
September 2009 and ran until December promoting New Zealand-only
tours, self-drive packages and FIT packages.
- Tourism New Zealand runs frequent training programmes for
travel sellers in Hong Kong and Southern China to increase the
quality of services provided by agents.